CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – When she was growing up, Christmas was always a big event and happy time for Jaci Velasquez. Singing Christmas songs, the excitement of Christmas Eve, opening presents on Christmas morning and so much more are special memories for her.

Those memories are still important, especially now that she has children of her own to share the memories with. But Christmas is more than childhood memories for Velasquez. It is knowing and understanding that Christmas is about Jesus Christ.

Bringing the meaning of Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ to others is something Velasquez loves doing. On Sunday, Dec. 14, she brings her Christmas message to Faith Outreach Church in Clarksville. She will sing traditional Christmas hymns and songs, as well as many of the songs she is best known for during her career, at the 9 and 11 a.m. services. The Christmas concerts are free and open to the public.

First time singing in Clarksville

In describing her upcoming performances at FOC, she said, “Usually this time of year, my travel and performance schedule is greatly reduced. I want to be home with my husband and two boys. When I learned of the opportunity to perform at Faith Outreach, I quickly said, ‘Yes!’ This is the first time I have performed in Clarksville.

“There will be Christmas songs that everybody knows, and I hope they join in and sing with me. My husband, Nic Gonzales, will also sing and join me on stage. We want people and families to have fun, but this is also a time to praise God and give thanks for the birth of Jesus.”

Christian music veteran

Velasquez is not a newcomer to contemporary Christian music. She has been in the music business and singing for Christ for almost 20 years. “I recorded my first record when I was 15 and have been busy ever since. Although I was not born and raised in Nashville, I consider Nashville my home. I have lived here for 20 years.

“Nic and I have two sons, Zealand and Soren, who are getting really excited about Christmas. It seems there is more to do each year to prepare for Christmas. I stay very busy with the boys, and that is just fine with me.

“Young children are so easily influenced by what they see and hear. I want my children to know and be influenced by the true meaning of Christmas and the birth of Jesus rather than by toys, games and gifts.

“It is my prayer that people will see and hear the Christmas message of Christ on Sunday. It is really true that every day is a gift to us from God. We are given an opportunity to make a difference in the world and in the life of someone. God wants us to enjoy life, and we should be grateful and thankful for all that we have. And it all begins with the birth of Jesus over 2,000 years ago,” said Velasquez.

Next year

Plans for 2015 are coming together nicely and include the release of two films. Velasquez will also record a CD with her husband, the lead singer of the band Salvador.

For more information regarding the Christmas concerts at Faith Outreach, visit the website at www.faithoutreach.org or call the church at 358-3010. For more information regarding Jaci Velasquez, visit her official website at www.jacivelasquez.com.